FLBR vs. VWO

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FLBR (Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF) and VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLBR is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the FTSE Brazil RIC Capped Index, while VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FLBR returned 5.13%/yr vs 4.72%/yr for VWO. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FLBR charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VWO.

Performance

FLBR vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF (FLBR) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLBR achieves a 13.23% return, which is significantly higher than VWO's 9.50% return.

FLBR

• 1D: 0.84%
• 1M: -6.09%
• YTD: 13.23%
• 6M: 14.68%
• 1Y: 32.65%
• 3Y*: 9.89%
• 5Y*: 5.13%
• 10Y*: —

VWO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 9.50%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 22.86%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 4.72%
• 10Y*: 8.98%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FLBR vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLBR Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF	13.23%	45.57%	-27.58%	33.19%	10.44%	-16.78%	-20.13%	28.47%	-2.13%	2.27%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	9.50%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	3.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLBR and VWO is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2017	0.59

The correlation between FLBR and VWO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLBR vs. VWO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLBR	VWO
Financial Services	25.6%	16.8%
Energy	19.3%	3.6%
Basic Materials	16.5%	7.0%
Utilities	13.7%	2.4%
Industrials	11.6%	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	3.1%
Healthcare	2.8%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	8.7%
Communication Services	1.9%	5.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.8%
Technology	0.8%	31.6%

Return for Risk

FLBR vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FLBR

FLBR Risk / Return Rank: 39
FLBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
FLBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FLBR Omega Ratio Rank: 40
FLBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FLBR Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 46
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 49

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FLBR vs. VWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF (FLBR) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FLBR	VWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	1.37	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	1.92	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.26	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.06	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.98	7.20	-2.21

FLBR vs. VWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is comparable to the VWO Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLBR and VWO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FLBR vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLBR drawdown since its inception was -57.42%, smaller than the maximum VWO drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLBR and VWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLBR	VWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.42%	-67.68%	+10.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.38%	-11.17%	-7.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.97%	-17.37%	-11.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.31%	-32.60%	+0.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.39%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.23%	-3.98%	-13.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.60%	-15.78%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.57%	3.18%	+3.39%

Volatility

FLBR vs. VWO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF (FLBR) is 6.24%, while Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) has a volatility of 7.06%. This indicates that FLBR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VWO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLBR	VWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.24%	7.06%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.04%	14.60%	+5.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.34%	16.82%	+8.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.70%	17.58%	+10.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.00%	19.17%	+13.83%

FLBR vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLBR has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than VWO's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLBR vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

FLBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.79%, more than VWO's 2.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLBR Franklin FTSE Brazil ETF	4.79%	7.71%	7.68%	8.84%	11.99%	8.71%	2.32%	3.42%	3.72%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.35%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLBR and VWO in my portfolio?

FLBR and VWO have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLBR or VWO?

VWO has higher volatility (7.06%) compared to FLBR (6.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLBR dropped -57.42% vs VWO's -67.68%.

Which ETF is better, FLBR or VWO?

On 5-year performance, FLBR leads with 5.13% vs 4.72% for VWO. On fees, VWO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FLBR has been the lower-risk option at 6.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLBR or VWO?

Over the 5-year period, FLBR has performed better with a 5.13% return vs 4.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLBR or VWO?

VWO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for FLBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLBR or VWO?

FLBR has the higher dividend yield at 4.79%, compared with 2.35% for VWO.

What is the main difference between FLBR and VWO?

FLBR is categorized as Latin America Equities, while VWO is Emerging Markets Equities. FLBR tracks FTSE Brazil RIC Capped Index, while VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLBR and 0.08% for VWO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.30), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.